What is the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room?

On Monday, September 15, 2025, the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room opened for service in the recently renovated Houghton Library. This integrated reading room supports Harvard faculty, students, staff, fellows, and researchers from around the world and allows researchers to access a wider range of materials—including those from Harvard University Archives, Houghton Library, the Harvard Film Archive, and the Loeb Music Library—in a single convenient and accessible location. The shared space continues to be staffed by professional archivists and librarians committed to providing expert support and equitable access to the University’s rich collections.   

 

Where will the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room be located? 

  • The newly renovated reading room in Houghton Library is used as the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. This room offers accessible space for both individual and group study. 

 

What collection material will I have access to in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room? 

  • Researchers will be able to access materials from: 

  • Harvard University Archives  

  • Houghton Library 

  • Harvard Film Archive (paper-based special collections) 

  • Loeb Music Library (paper-based special collections) 

 

What staff are available to serve users in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room? 

  • Our Reading Room continues to be staffed by professional archivists and librarians who are committed to providing access to our vast and rich collections. 

  • Reference staff are available in person but can also be reached via email. 

 

What are the most significant policies I should be aware of? 

  • Researchers are responsible for submitting requests for materials a minimum of 2 business days before their appointment. 

  • Users are limited to requesting up to 6 items (books, boxes, oversized folders, objects, etc.) per day. 

 

How do I make an appointment? 

 

I made an appointment, but I forgot to submit requests for materials within the time frame. Now what? 

  • Unfortunately, the majority of materials we serve require significant processing time due to location and/or restrictions. If you arrive without having selected items to view, you are welcome to consult material you already have on hold, class holds, or ready reference material already available in the reading room. 

 

I booked an appointment and requested materials to be on hold, but now I can’t make it in. What can I expect? 

  • If you can, please let us know via email at your earliest convenience if you can’t make it. We would be glad to help you reschedule your appointment. 

 

I’m running late for my appointment; will I still have a seat when I make it in? 

  • Because you made an appointment, you are entitled to your seat for the duration of the time you booked. If it starts to look like you will miss your appointment entirely, let us know via email at your earliest convenience. 

 

I’m moving more slowly through material than I anticipated. What I thought I could get through in an afternoon may take a few days. Is it possible to extend my appointment? 

  • Email us or chat with us in person and we can help you determine if there is availability to allow you to extend your visit. 

 

How do I access the reference collection, including yearbooks and class reports, or offsite materials? 

  • Users can request reference materials from Harvard University Archives in advance in consultation with HUA staff. Email us at archives_reference@harvard.edu. 

  • A variety of Houghton Library reference materials are available in the reading room in call number order. Reading Room staff can provide assistance in locating these items. 

  • Offsite materials (e.g., at the Harvard Depository, Harry Elkins Widener Room, Merritt Room must be requested 2 business days before the intended visit.) 

 

Where can I learn about new Reading Room policies? 

 

Harvard Administrative Office Impact 

I am a Harvard administrator or a staff member from an office whose records have been transferred to the Harvard University Archives. How does this change impact me?  

  • Administrative users of institutional records may still view records at the University Archives in Pusey Library. Our archivists are always available to assist you – please contact us directly at archives_reference@harvard.edu so we can ensure you have everything you need.